Jesus

For a while now, the question comes to mind about Jesus being on the mountain and satan tempting Him to jump off because God would save Him if He really were the son of God. Why didn’t satan just push Jesus? Then a light came on in my consciousness! He didn’t have the power! What a revelation for me! The only power evil or error has ever is what we give it. 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 reads “But we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Truth and Love always leave error powerless.

Today I will ask God to protect me from believing that subtle little serpent or error when it attempts to trick me into believing anything that does not come from God.

Last night we watched a program about love and forgiveness. This morning I was reminded if either of those are conditional, they cease to be love and forgiveness. One cannot love everyone, but or forgive everyone, but! There are political figures and other celebrities that I didn’t feel I loved and have been very critical of them. As I think about Jesus on the cross and it has been told he even forgave then; shouldn’t I do the same? “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.” That is certainly not saying we should not pray about the world but genuinely know and understand there is a higher power than what we are seeing and there is no stronger power than Love.

While reading about a young man who left a “hate group” when he actually met some of the people he was supposed to hate and realized he didn’t hate them, I began my internal examination of my heart to see where I needed to love more. Philippians 4:8 reads “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable –if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” That is exactly what I want to do today, with the help of God.

As I studied the 13th Chapter of John when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, I saw how much Peter resisted this show of kindness and love. Peter is so easy to relate to for you can see so much humanness and willfulness in him. It reminded me of how much easier it is for me to give than receive. Jesus was stern with Peter as He told him he would have no part with Him if this were the case. Giving and receiving are equally important! Sometimes the little ego tries to enter where giving is concerned. It becomes evident just how important receiving is as we pray for an answer to a problem. Don’t we need to be receptive and expectant of an answer?

John 15:11 states “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

When Jesus healed the ten lepers, He told them to go show themselves to the priests! This was even before they were healed. This was certainly a call for faith to know they would be healed. As we pray, we have to begin with our spiritual perfection as a reflection of the one God and this knowledge and understanding brings about healing.

Psalm 5:2-3 states “Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

Often when we are asking for help when experiencing a challenge, whether it is physical, financial or problems with relationships, there is doubt of deserving God’s help. This was what I was thinking when I was reading about Peter cutting off the ear of the soldier who was arresting Jesus. He didn’t hesitate in reprimanding Peter and immediately healed the man’s ear. Surely, humanly this soldier didn’t merit this act of forgiveness.

From there, I begin to think of the world’s concept of riches is grasping and hoarding while God’s way includes letting go and giving. Humanly, none of us are probably worthy of God’s goodness, but it is given us by grace. 1 Peter 1:8 reads “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” This is all possible by the grace of God.

This morning I watched a video someone posted about a large high school choir on the balconies of a huge hotel singing “Down to the River to Pray” Acappella and it was simply beautiful. Listening to this, I was thinking of the many unselfish hours given to practicing for the joy of others. Watching the students and seeing their focus on the one Choir Director and the harmony they produced and realizing this was only possible with that one focal point and the blending came from joined efforts; not one being louder or better than another.

Then I thought of a spinning ballerina having to maintain her balance by one focal point who would otherwise become confused and dizzy. My point is by keeping my focus on God and not human circumstances, I can remain in balance. Hebrews 12:2 reads “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

This morning as I was awakened by a telephone call where someone needed prayerful support, I was instantly reminded of my prayer yesterday. My prayer is always to do good daily and be always willing to turn to God immediately. While I was thinking along these lines, I was led to Matthew 20:30 which reads “Behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.'” This took place while Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem where He was met with betrayal, condemnation and crucifixion, but He stops to heal them.

After reading this, I became so aware that rather than turn people away, He gladly and lovingly received them, no matter what was going on. Shouldn’t I do the same?